Meaning & Definition of Decline in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: to decrease in quantity, quality, or strength

  Example Sentence: The population of the species has declined over the years.

• Definition: to refuse to accept or do something

  Example Sentence: She decided to decline the job offer.

• Definition: to formally reject or refuse

  Example Sentence: He declined the invitation to the party.

• Definition: a gradual decrease

  Example Sentence: There has been a decline in sales this quarter.

• Definition: to bend or slope downward

  Example Sentence: The land declines gently toward the river.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English declinen, from Old French decliner, from Latin declinare 'to bend down, turn aside, deviate'

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• decline an offer: to refuse a proposal or opportunity
• decline in health: a deterioration of health conditions
• decline to comment: to choose not to provide an opinion or statement

Translations

• Spanish: declinar

• French: décliner

• German: ablehnen

• Russian: отклонять

Related Words

• decrease: to become smaller or less in amount, size, or degree

• deteriorate: to make or become worse

• refusal: the action of refusing to accept or agree to something

Slang Meanings of decline

• Meaning: to bail on something

  Example Sentence: I decided to decline the party invitation and just chill at home.

• Meaning: to ghost a situation

  Example Sentence: He declined the meeting without any explanation.